A Message from St Luke’s Combined Hospices
At St Luke’s Combined Hospices, we are constantly reminded that compassionate care goes beyond medicine – it’s about dignity, connection, and support during life’s most challenging moments. This month, we’re proud to share how your support continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, their families, and the wider community.
Growing Compassion Through Learning
One of the ways we are strengthening care is through our Centre for Palliative Learning (CPL). Through this initiative, we are equipping healthcare professionals, caregivers, and volunteers with practical skills in symptom management, communication, and holistic, patient-centred care.
Seeing this training come to life in real-world settings has been incredibly rewarding. Care is becoming more responsive, communication more meaningful, and patients are experiencing greater comfort and dignity. To date, we have trained 294 individuals – exceeding our initial targets, and we are already seeing the positive impact reflected in both patient and family experiences.
The Power of Community Support
Our charity shops continue to play an essential role in sustaining our services. Every donation and every purchase directly contributes to patient care; from home visits to emotional and practical support for families navigating difficult times.
We are so grateful for the ongoing support from our community. At the moment, we are in need of additional stock, including quality clothing, homeware, furniture, books, and toys. Every item truly does add up and helps us continue our work.
A Family’s Journey Through Care
The heart of what we do is best reflected in the stories shared by the families we support. One family recently shared their journey after a loved one was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. What began as overwhelming uncertainty became a journey supported by a compassionate, multidisciplinary team who provided not only medical care, but guidance, reassurance, and kindness every step of the way.
Their words remind us that our care extends beyond the patient – it embraces the entire family. Being able to ease even a small part of that burden is why we do what we do.
Join Us and Get Involved
We invite you to be part of our upcoming events, each one helping us raise vital funds to continue delivering compassionate care.
- Padel for Palliative Care will culminate in a Finals Event on 16 May 2026, bringing our community together through sport and purpose (as highlighted on page 4).
- Charity Golf Day takes place on Friday, 24 April 2026 at Rondebosch Golf Club, where every contribution helps bring hope and dignity to those in our care.
- Tree of Lights event on 6 December 2026, a special moment of reflection, remembrance, and community connection (featured on page 7).
Thank You
Everything we do is made possible by you – our donors, partners, and community. Your generosity allows us to continue providing compassionate, dignified care to those who need it most.
We are deeply grateful to have you walking this journey with us.
